Once every decade, Holland plays host to the Floriade World Horticultural Expo. On this flower tour, you’ll discover the 17th-century homes of Amsterdam, Luxembourg’s scenic gardens and the understated charms of Brussels. But the star of this vacation is the Floriade flower show, a unique celebration of botany and culture.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Overnight Flight

Your journey begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Europe on an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Amsterdam

Touch down in Amsterdam. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. After settling into your room, meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Amsterdam

Embark on a guided tour of Amsterdam this morning. Your tour includes a visit to Dam Square, the historical heart of the city. Later, on a narrated canal cruise, you’ll pass by some of the city’s famed houseboats and glide past Amsterdam’s iconic mansions, many of which were constructed during the Dutch Golden Age. On select departures, an optional excursion to Keukenhof Gardens will be offered. This evening, opt for dinner and a relaxing cruise on Amsterdam’s canals.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: canal cruise

$89 CAD

Keukenhof Gardens With millions of flowers growing on 70 acres of gardens, Keukenhof has been a showplace for the Dutch floral industry for more than half a century. Set in the grounds of an old manor house, this tranquil garden will mesmerize you. On this special excursion, you may be able to view more than six million flowers in bloom, including daffodils, croci and hyacinths, as well as thousands of tulip varieties. Please note: Peak tulip season varies with the weather. This optional excursion is seasonal and runs only from late March through May.

$115 CAD

Canal Cruise & Dinner Travel along the canals of Amsterdam on a low-slung house boat, enjoying the view of row houses lit up for the night. Your cruise will take you through the center of the city as you enjoy dinner by lantern light.

Day 4 - Amsterdam

Today is free to take in the sights of Amsterdam on your own. If the art of the Dutch Masters interests you, pay a visit to the recently renovated van Gogh Museum or the Stedelijk Museum. Or, you might consider an optional excursion to Delft & The Hague. On your way to these historic cities, you’ll stop to visit the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, where blooms from around the globe are bought and sold. Continue on to visit the charming town of Delft, the home of Vermeer, before witnessing the Peace Palace and the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Included meals: breakfast

$99 CAD

Delft & The Hague Your first stop on this excursion is to visit the world famous flower market at Aalsmeer for a close-up look at one of Holland’s best-known national exports: its brilliantly hued tulips. Continue to Delft, a charming town of canals, cobbled alleyways and medieval architecture. Your final destination is The Hague, seat of the Dutch Parliament and home to Queen Beatrix. Here, a local guide shows you the Peace Palace and the International Court of Justice. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, whose collection includes masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, including paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Steen and Frans Hals.

Day 5 - Maastricht

This morning, transfer to the town of Venlo for the Floriade World Horticultural Expo, a spectacular, once-in-a-decade display of flowers from around the world. Floriade is more than just a flower show: it’s also a celebration of global music, dance, theater, literature and visual art. Some visitors pack a picnic lunch to enjoy among the flowers, but there are also multiple restaurants featuring a variety of international cuisines. After spending the afternoon taking in the rare plants, trees, vegetables, fruits and flowers at Floriade, you’ll transfer to Maastricht, arriving in time to enjoy an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 6 - Luxembourg City

Today begins with a guided sightseeing tour of Maastricht, where the European Union was created in 1993. Located on the Dutch-Belgian border, Maastricht is among the oldest continually settled cities in Holland. On your guided tour, you’ll visit the stylish shops of Stokstraat and the cobblestone streets of the Jekerwartier district. You’ll also pass by the red tower of St. John’s Church and the ancient Basilica of St. Servatius. This afternoon, you’ll transfer to one of Europe’s smallest countries, Luxembourg, where an expert local guide leads your sightseeing tour of Luxembourg City. Travel through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the poignant World War II?Monument of National Unity, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the 17th-century Citadel of the Holy Spirit and the elegant Grand Ducal Palace, once a royal residence and now the setting for formal state functions. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 7 - Brussels

As you head north, travel through the forests of the Ardennes. After crossing the border into Belgium, stop in Bastogne for a visit at the Bastogne Historical Center to learn about and pay tribute to the American soldiers who fought here during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. Arrive later in Brussels, where dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Bastogne Historical Center

Day 8 - Brussels

Join a?local guide for a tour of Brussels. In the city’s historic center, you’ll see the Manneken Pis and the elegant Baroque homes lining the Grand Place. You’ll also pass by the Palais de Justice and the modern Atomium sculpture. In your free time this afternoon, you may choose to browse the galleries of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, featuring work by van Dyck and Rubens. Or, for a true taste of Brussels, bring your appetite to Rue des Bouchers (Butchers’ Street), a narrow alley full of culinary delights.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 9 - Brussels

Spend today at leisure in Brussels.?Be sure to sample some of Belgium’s renowned chocolates and wander through the city’s marketplaces. Popular museums in the city include the unique Comic Strip Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Alternatively, consider joining an optional excursion to Bruges.
Included meals: breakfast

$95 CAD

Bruges Journey into Flanders on this full-day excursion. You’ll visit the picturesque town of Bruges, where a local guide will introduce you to the town's market, its belfry and its canals. An included boat cruise takes you through Bruges' canals and makes it easy to leave your cares behind. Please note: This excursion involves extensive walking.

Day 10 - Brussels

If you’re continuing your vacation on our Paris extension, board a train for the City of Light this morning. If this marks the end of your tour, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)